Phuket cracks down on vapes with schoolyard smoking ban

New policy introduced in pilot schools to promote student wellbeing

Phuket officials launched a campaign in local schools to ban smoking and vaping, aiming to protect students’ health and raise community awareness.

The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) has launched a new campaign to make local schools entirely smoke-free and e-cigarette-free, starting with five pilot institutions.

The initiative was officially rolled out at Baan Mai Riab PPAO School (Tantikowit Bamrung), where PPAO President Rewat Areerob led a training session for teachers and parents. The goal: to introduce and enforce the Seven Measures for Smoke-Free Schools and E-Cigarettes, a comprehensive set of policies designed to create safer, healthier environments for Phuket’s youth.

Joining Rewat were PPAO Vice President Chalam Athamatham and Khemwan Hemarat from the Phuket Smoke-Free News Centre Network, who both acted as expert speakers.

Phuket cracks down on vapes with schoolyard smoking ban | News by Thaiger

Phuket cracks down on vapes with schoolyard smoking ban | News by Thaiger

The campaign is a joint effort between the PPAO and the Phuket Smoke-Free News Centre Network, with support from the Campaign for a Smoke-Free World and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).

Rewat urged all five pilot schools to take the measures seriously and implement them with consistency.

“Our students must grow up healthy, safe, and free from the dangers that threaten their futures.”

Phuket cracks down on vapes with schoolyard smoking ban | News by Thaiger

The Seven Measures include:

  1. Establishing a clear policy banning smoking and vaping.

  2. Systematically managing school environments to remain smoke-free.

  3. Creating a tobacco-free atmosphere on school grounds.

  4. Integrating health lessons to highlight smoking and vaping risks.

  5. Encouraging student involvement in awareness campaigns.

  6. Offering counselling for at-risk students.

  7. Partnering with local communities to extend smoke-free practices.

Once the pilot proves successful, the PPAO plans to roll out the model to more schools across the island, reported The Phuket News.

Phuket cracks down on vapes with schoolyard smoking ban | News by Thaiger

Thailand has long taken a hard stance on tobacco control. It joined the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2005 and enforces the Tobacco Product Control Act, under which smoking or vaping in prohibited areas can result in a fine of up to 5,000 baht.

As vaping continues to gain popularity among teens, the campaign aims to nip the trend in the bud and reinforce health-focused education within the school system.

HealthPhuket NewsThailand News

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Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Originally from Hong Kong, Puntid moved to Bangkok in 2020 to pursue further studies in translation. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Hong Kong. Puntid spent 8 years living in Manchester, UK. Before joining The Thaiger, Puntid has been a freelance translator for 2 years. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and listening to music, as well as writing short fiction and poetry.